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Pharmacist Chester Yee dies at 77

A memorial service for Chester Douglas Yee, a pharmacist, pharmacy professor and the owner of the Menlo Park Pharmacy, was held Jan. 2, at the Woodside Village Church at 3154 Woodside Road in Woodside.

Mr. Yee died Sunday, Dec. 13, at his home in Redwood City after a year-long battle with cancer, his son David Yee said. Chester Yee was 77.

Mr. Yee's family remembers him for his passion for pharmacy, which he practiced in person at 1610 El Camino Real, near the Atherton border, and taught as an assistant clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California at San Francisco and as an adjunct professor of pharmacy at the University of the Pacific in Stockton.

"His dedication as a community pharmacist was an extremely rewarding aspect of his life, enabling him to make a difference in the lives of his patients, their children, and their grandchildren," David Yee said of his father.

Mr. Yee brought his experiences as a working pharmacist into the classroom; his family said he delighted in holding an annual "Talk with a Pharmacist Day," working with students to consult with patients and administer diagnostic tests.

Mr. Yee was also "a fierce advocate for patients" and active in pharmacy politics, his son said. Mr. Yee co-founded the San Mateo County Pharmacists Association over 40 years ago, served as the association's president, and edited its newsletter. He was also active in state and national pharmacists associations.

His recognitions include "pharmacist of the year" awards from the state and the county associations and several awards from UCSF, as well as leadership awards.

"He brought folks together from all generations, backgrounds, and personalities and will be remembered for his generosity, cooking, mentorship, sense of humor, and most of all, his love and respect for family and friends," David Yee said. He was "extremely active" as a member of the Woodside Village Church.

Mr. Yee is survived by sons David and Mark; brother Albert; and many relatives from his extended family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Woodside Village Church or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Mr. Yee's name.